1) The document studies the use of marble powder as a partial replacement for cement in normal compacting concrete. 2) Five concrete mixes were tested with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% replacement of cement with marble powder to determine compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths at 7, 28, and 56 days. 3) The results showed that compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths generally increased up to 10% replacement of cement with marble powder compared to the normal mix without replacement. Higher replacements of 15% and 20% typically showed reduced strengths compared to the 10% replacement mix.

1. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE)
e-ISSN: 2278-1684,p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 13, Issue 4 Ver. III (Jul. - Aug. 2016), PP 01-05
www.iosrjournals.org
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1304030105 www.iosrjournals.org 1 | Page
Study on Marble Powder as Partial Replacement of Cement in
Normal Compacting Concrete
Dr. B. Krishna Rao,
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada,
J.N.T.University Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Abstract: Along the rapid growth of human needs in many sectors, a significant decrease in the availability
and viability of the natural resources was always faced. Neither the less, the high volume production is always
associated with considerable amount of waste materials, which may adversely impacts the surrounding
environment. Efforts on bypassing such dilemma were recently intensified in many countries and international
establishments looking for new regulations and legislations to minimize and reuse the generated waste. One of
the major waste generating industries is the marble quarry and production industry by 70% of this precious
mineral resource is wasted in the mining processing and polishing procedures.40% of marble waste is
generated worldwide during quarrying operations in the form of rock fragments and 30% waste generated
during processing. It is being dumped either in nearby empty pits, roads, riverbeds, pasturelands, agricultural
fields or landfill leading to wide spreading environmental pollution. Marble powder contains high calcium
oxide content of more than 50%. The potential use of marble dust can be an ideal choice for substituting in a
cementitious binder as the reactivity efficiency increases due to the presence of lime. A total of five concrete
mixes, containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% partial replacement of cement with marble powder are
investigated in the laboratory. These mixes were tested to determine compressive strength, split tensile strength
and flexural strength for 7, 28 and 56days.
Keywords: concrete, fine aggregate, marble powder, strength, workability
I. Introduction
Environmentally, when industrial wastes are recycled not only the CO2 emissions are reduced but
residual products from other industries are reused and therefore less material is dumped as landfill and more
natural resources are saved. Fly ash, blast furnace slag and silica fume are most widely used industrial wastes in
place of cement for concrete production attributed to their reactivity nature called pozzolanic behavior. In
addition to pozzolanas, other inert by-products and waste materials have been used in concrete and mortar
production as inert filler for similar reasons. Among these, marble waste powder which using marble waste
powder in cement and concrete production is a by-product of marble processing factory was studied by many
researchers for its use in concrete and mortar production as sand replacing or cement replacing material. Marble
is a metamorphic rock resulting from the transformation of a pure limestone. The purity of the marble is
responsible for its color and appearance; it is white if the limestone is composed solely of calcite (100%
CaCO3). Marble is used for construction and decoration, marble is durable, has a noble appearance, and is
consequently in great demand. Chemically, marbles are crystalline rocks composed predominantly of calcite,
dolomite or serpentine minerals. Marble powder can be used as filler in concrete and paving materials and helps
to reduce total void content in concrete. Marble powder can be used as an admixture in concrete, so that strength
of the concrete can be increased. Marble dust is mixed with concrete, cement or synthetic resins to make
counters, building stones, sculptures, floors and many other objects. Marble powder is not available in all the
places. Despite this fact, concrete production is one of the concerns worldwide that impact the environment with
major impact being global warming due to CO2 emission during production of cement. In addition to this, due to
fineness of the marble powder, it will easily mix with aggregates so that perfect bonding is possible. Marble
powder will fill the voids present in concrete and will give sufficient compressive strength when compared with
the ordinary concrete.
Fig.1 Marble powder

2. Study on Marble Powder as Partial Replacement of Cement in Normal Compacting Concrete
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1304030105 www.iosrjournals.org 2 | Page
II. Literaturereview
Veena G. Pathan1, Md. GulfamPathan: Their investigation revealed that replacing of cement with marble
waste powder up to 20% reduces the slump of concrete mixes, whereas replacement of sand by marble waste
powder up to 20% enhances the slump of the concrete mixes. In concrete production replacement of 5% cement
by marble waste powder gives comparable compressive and flexural strength as of marble waste free concrete
specimens but increasing the replacement range beyond 5% results in strength reduction. In concrete production,
replacing of sand up to 20% by marble waste powder gives similar strength as of concrete mixes with 100%
sand both at early and latter ages.
III. Experimental Details
It was proposed to investigate the properties of concrete, cast with partial replacement of cement with
0%, 5%, 10%, 15% proportions of marble powder and cured in water for 7, 28and 56days. In this experimental
work, physical properties of materials used in the experimental work were determined. M30 grade of reference
concrete was mixed and cured in potable water.
Properties of the materials:
Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) of 53 Grade (Deccan cement) from a single lot was used throughout
the course of the investigation. It was fresh and without any lumps. The specific gravity of cement obtained is
3.12.
Fine Aggregate: The fine aggregate used is natural sand obtained from the river Godavari conforming to
grading zone-II of IS: 10262-2009. The specific gravity and fineness modulus are 2.58 and 3.46 respectively.
Coarse Aggregate: Crushed granite angular aggregate of size 20mm are used and the aggregates are free from
dust before used in the concrete. The specific gravity and fineness modulus are 2.70 and 8.62 respectively.
Water: This is the least expensive but most important ingredient of concrete. A good thumb rule to follow is
that if water is pure enough for drinking it is suitable for mixing concrete. Locally available portable water was
used for mixing and curing.
Marble powder: It is collected from marble processing industry, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Specific gravity
and fineness tests were conducted for marble powder and the results obtained are 2.44 and 6.0.
Details of mix proportion: Grade of concrete is M30, the design is based on IS 10262-2009 and Water/cement
ratio = 0.46
Table: 1 Details of mix proportion
S. No %of Replacement Cement
(Kg/m3
)
Marble Powder
(Kg/m3
)
Fine Aggregate
(Kg/m3
)
Coarse Aggregates
(Kg/m3
)
Water
(lit/m3
)
1. 0 400 0 644.58 1199 184
2. 5 380 20 644.58 1199 184
3. 10 360 40 644.58 1199 184
4. 15 340 60 644.58 1199 184
5. 20 320 80 644.58 1199 184
IV. Specimen Details
Cube specimens of 150 mmx150mmx150mm size for compressive strength, Cylinder specimens of size
150 mm diameter x 300 mm height and prisms of size 100mm x 100mm x 500mm were cast to study the
mechanical strength properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength
according to Indian standards.
Casting and curing:
The moulds were tightly fitted and all the joints were sealed by plaster of Paris in order to prevent
leakage of cement slurry through the joints. The inner side of the moulds was thoroughly oiled before going for
concreting. The mix proportions were put in miller and thoroughly mixed. The prepared concrete was placed in
the moulds and is compacted using needle& plate vibrators. The same process is adopted for all specimens.
After specimens were compacted the top surface is leveled with a trowel. The operation of curing is designed to
overcome the problems of loss of hydration. The prepared specimens are cured in curing tank for a period of 7,
28 and 56days.
V. Test Results And Discussions
Table: 2 Fresh properties of concrete
S.No Mix Id. % replacement of cement with marble powder Slump (mm)
1. NM 0 55
2. MP1 5 60
3. MP2 10 65
4. MP3 15 70
5. MP4 20 75

3. Study on Marble Powder as Partial Replacement of Cement in Normal Compacting Concrete
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1304030105 www.iosrjournals.org 3 | Page
Fig.2 Slump Vs. % of replacement
From the above table and graphs we can observe that slump values gradually increased from mix 1 to
mix 5. This indicates that with increase in the percentage of marble powder in concrete there is increase in the
slump value.
Table:3 Hardened properties of concrete
Fig: 3 Compressive strength Vs. % of replacement
The graph is drawn between the compressive strength Vs. % of replacement of marble powder at
7days, for the 5% replacement of marble powder the compressive strength increased by1.25% in the similar
way, the gradual increase of replacement by 5% i.e at 10% the compressive strength is increased by 2.53%. The
compressive strength decreased by 1.28% and 5.069 % by 15% and 20% replacement of marble powder
respectively, at 10% replacement of marble powder maximum strength is arrived. At 28 days, initially at 5% of
replacement, the compressive strength increased by 0.6%.At 10% replacement the compressive strength is
maximum i.e it increased by 2.877% . At 15% and 20% of replacement, it was observed a gradual decrease of
0.17%, 0.97% respectively. At 20% of replacement the strength is least at the age of 28 days.At 56 days,
initially with the 5% replacement of the marble powder the compressive strength increased by 2.8%. It is
observed that the compressive strength increased by 4.58% with the gradual increase in the replacement of the
marble powder.It is maximum at 10% replacement of the marble powder. The compressive strength is least at
20% replacement of the marble powder i.e decreased by 3% at 56 days.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
3.0
3.2
3.4
3.6
Splittensilestrength(MPa)
Age(days)
NM
MP1
MP2
MP3
MP4
Fig. 4 Spilt tensile strength Vs. % of replacement
S.No Mix
Id.
% of
replacement
Compressive strength
(MPa)
Split tensile strength
(MPa)
Flexural strength
(MPa)
7d 28d 56d 7d 28d 56d 7d 28d 56d
1. NM 0.0 35.11 46.22 50.0 2.32 2.83 3.28 4.9 5 5.4
2. MP1 5 35.55 46.50 51.40 2.26 3.0 3.328 5.0 5.33 5.6
3. MP2 10 36.10 47.55 52.29 2.33 3.16 3.466 5.45 6 6.2
4. MP3 15 34.66 46.30 50.10 1.96 3.11 3.18 5.2 5.4 5.42
5. MP4 20 33.33 45.77 48.5 1.75 2.2 2.83 5.33 5.46 5.5

4. Study on Marble Powder as Partial Replacement of Cement in Normal Compacting Concrete
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1304030105 www.iosrjournals.org 4 | Page
At 7 days, initially with replacement of the marble powder the split tensile strength decreased by
2.586%, at 10% replacement of the marble powder, we observed increased in strength but it is almost equal to
normal mix, with 15% and 20% of replacement of the marble powder we can observe the decrease in the spilt
tensile strength by 15.51% and 24.56% respectively. The split tensile strength is maximum at 10% of
replacement. At 28 days initially with the 5% replacement of the marble powder the split tensile strength
increased by 6.0% and with the gradual increase in the replacement of the marble powder, the split tensile
strength also increased. The split tensile strength is maximum at 10% of replacement of the marble powder i.e
11.66%, with 15% and 20% of replacement of the marble powder, we can observe the increased in the spilt
tensile strength by 9.89% and decreased by 22.26% respectively. At 56 days, it is observed that the slight
increased in the split tensile strength with the replacement of the marble powder. It is maximum at 10%
replacement of the marble powder i.e 5.6% increased, with 15% and 20% of replacement of the marble powder
we can observe the decreased in the spilt tensile strength by 3.125% and 13.71% respectively.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
4.6
4.8
5.0
5.2
5.4
5.6
5.8
6.0
6.2
Flexuralstrength(MPa)
Age(days)
NM
MP1
MP2
MP3
MP4
Fig. 5 Flexural strength Vs. % of relacement
At 5.0% replacement of the marble powder, it is observed that the change in the fluxural strength is
very less i.e 2.04% increased, at the 10% replacement of the marble powder the strength is increased by 11.22%.
In the same way with continous replacement of the marble powder the strength got increased by 6.12% and
8.77% as compared to normal mix. But these are less when compared with the strength at 10% replacement. At
the 10% replacement of the marble powder the strength is maximum at 7 days of curing. At 28 days the strength
got increased comparativly at 5% replacement of the marble powder by 6.6%, at 10% replacement of the marble
powder, there is incresed in strength by 20% which is very high. In the same way with continous replacement
of the marble powder the strength got increased by 8.0% and 9.2% as compared to normal mix. But these are
less when compared with the strength at 10% replacement got optimum result at the 10% replacement of the
marble powder. At 56 days of curing,with the 5% replacement of the marble powder and with out replacement
of the marble powder, the change in strength is observed i.e 3.7% increase. The strength is maximum at the 10%
replacement of the marble powder which is 14.8% increased. In the same way with continous replacement of the
marble powder the strength got increased by 0.37 % and 1.85% as compared to normal mix.
VI. Conclusions
It can be seen from the results of this study that use of marble dust replacement of cement in the
production of concrete for the construction industry should be encouraged where there comparitive cost
advantage, the following conclusions can be made from this study.
 The workability increased with increase of marble powder.
 The mechanical propertis increased with increasing of curing days.
 The compressive strength increased with increase of marble powder up to 10% replacement
 It was observed that 2.81%,2.92% and 4.58% of strengtrh increased compared to normal mix with 10%
replacement of marble powder at 7, 28 and 56days respectively.
 It was observed that 0.43%,11.6% and 5.6% of spilt tensile strength incresed at 10% of marble powder
compared to normal mixat 7, 28 and 56days respectively.
 It was noticed that 11.22%,20% and 14.8% of flexural strength increased at 10% replacement of marble
powder compared to normal mix at 7, 28 and 56days respectively.
 Considerable reduction in strength was observed at 15% and 20% replacement of marble powder.

5. Study on Marble Powder as Partial Replacement of Cement in Normal Compacting Concrete
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1304030105 www.iosrjournals.org 5 | Page
 For compressive strength, spilt tensile strength and flexural strength 10% replacement with marble powder
is found to be a best alternative for replacement as increase in percentage of strength is high compared to
other variations in the mix.
Referencess
[1]. Baboo rai, khan, naushed H, Abhis, Tabin Rushad S,Duggal s.k ,“Influence of Marble Powder/Grannules in conctrete mix”
international journal of Civil and Structural Engineering,vol 1,no 4,2011.
[2]. Bahar Demirel,“The effect of using waste Marble Dust as fine sand on mechanical properties of concrete ”international journal of
physical science, pp 1372-1380 vol 5 2010.
[3]. Ergun Ali, “Effect of usage of diatomite and waste marble powder on mechanical properties of concrete”journal of Construction
and Building Materials,feb 2001.
[4]. Md.Gulfam Pathan,Veena Pathan ,“feasibility and Need of use of waste marble powder in concrete production”IOSR Journal of
Mechanical and Civil Engineerin vol 6 pp 23-26 2011.
[5]. Noha.M.Soliman,“Effect of using marble powder in concrete mixes on the behavior and strength of R.C slab” international journal
of current Enguneering and Technology. volume no.5 December 2010.
[6]. N.Gurumurty,“Influence of marble dust as partial replacement of cemen”International Journal of Engineering Researching
Technology, vol 3, March 2012.
[7]. P.A Shirul, Ataur Rahman, Rakesh D.gupta,“Partial replacement of cement with Marble dust powder”International journal of
research and studies vol 1, June 2012.
[8]. Tanpreet Singh and Anil Kumar,“Influence of Marble Powder Mortar and Concrete Mix”vol 2, June 2011.
[9]. V.M Sounthararlajan, A.Siva Kumar “Effect of the Lime Content in Marble Powder for Production of High Strength
Conctrete”ARPN Journal of Engineering and Science.vol 8,No 4, April 2013.